Where are the best Greek ruins in Sicily?

The Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is a famous archaeological site in Agrigento, Sicily, housing some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece. More a ridge than a valley, the Valley of the Temples mainly comprises the beautiful ruins of 9 ancient sacred temples.

What Sicily is famous for?

Sicily is famous for the following things:

  • Renowned Greek Temples in ‘The Valley of Temples’
  • Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe.
  • Birthplace of Archimedes.
  • The biggest island of Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Sicilian Cuisine.
  • Where the Italian Mafia was originated.

Why are there Greek temples in Sicily?

The short answer is simply that Sicily possessed a greater density of monumental temples than any other area of the Mediterranean and now contains more well-preserved examples than anywhere else.

How many Greek temples are in Sicily?

sixteen Greek temples
Temples are perhaps the most iconic buildings the Ancient Greeks constructed. They are found throughout the Ancient Greek World: in Greece, Italy, Western Turkey and Libya. However, there are at least sixteen Greek temples remaining in Sicily – perhaps the highest concentration anywhere outside the Greek mainland.

What food is Sicily known for?

Sicilian cuisine

  • The Catanese dish, pasta alla Norma, is among Sicily’s most historic and iconic.
  • Cassatas are popular and traditional Sicilian desserts.
  • An almond granita with brioche.
  • Tarocco blood oranges.
  • Limoncello is a popular and strong lemon liqueur.
  • Arancini from Ragusa, Sicily.

Is Medusa a Sicilian?

Trinacria was the earliest known name of the island of Sicily. The head refers to Greek mythology, it is said to be Medusa, a gorgon (monstrous creature) with a head of snakes, a beautiful woman seducing men who, upon looking at her, were turned into stone.

Was Sicily in Greece?

Sicily was Greek. Sicily was an important part, if not the most important, of Magna Graecia. I suppose that Caliri identified more with the local inhabitants of Sicily, the Siculi. But they were not indigenous either, nor were the Sikans who had come to the island before them, nor the Elymians on the west coast.